Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Ohio

The Reynolds and Reynolds Company Foundation, established in 1986, focuses on supporting higher education programs through grants and scholarships. Grants are awarded quarterly, and organizations may apply once per fiscal year. The foundation emphasizes community support in regions including Dayton, Ohio, and Houston, Texas. However, it does not fund certain organizations, such as those lacking 501(c)(3) status, political entities, or individual schools. Successful grant recipients may be required to provide assessments of their grant outcomes.

Sisters of the Sacred Heartland Dr. Allan French Memorial Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to students in Oklahoma who identify as members of the LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify) and a minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher.

The Oldham Little Church Foundation Grant, established in 1949, has awarded over $53.56 million in facility completion grants to small evangelical Protestant churches across the U.S. The foundation aims to support church renovations and new construction projects, enhancing their ability to serve their communities. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $15,000 and are considered quarterly. Eligible churches must meet specific criteria, including membership size and financial stewardship, to qualify for funding.

Community Foundation of Wabash County

Since its creation in 1954, the Community Foundation has grown and continually adapted its priorities to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Through these changes, challenges, and opportunities to grow as both a leader and provider, the Community Foundation has remained true to its mission and commitment to Wabash County citizens.

Our Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.  

Beryl M. Klare Scholarship Endowment

Beryl Klare created a scholarship for residents of the City of Wabash, Indiana, who are accepted into and attend an accredited post-secondary educational institution, including career training and academic degrees. Having no children of her own, she used her will to fulfill her wishes to financially assist students who want to obtain a higher education, including academic degrees and vocational training. When she passed away in 1968, her scholarship became a reality.

The Grey Muzzle Organization offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs across the U.S. Since 2008, they have awarded over $2.5 million to shelters and nonprofits focused on senior dog welfare. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and demonstrate measurable outcomes. The initiative aims to ensure that every senior dog thrives, providing support for foster care, hospice services, and adoption programs.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Emergency Grants 

Emergency Grants are aimed at assisting with unforeseen events which cause financial hardship on the family. Limit for this grant is $750.

Community Foundation of Wabash County

Since its creation in 1954, the Community Foundation has grown and continually adapted its priorities to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Through these changes, challenges, and opportunities to grow as both a leader and provider, the Community Foundation has remained true to its mission and commitment to Wabash County citizens.

Our Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.  

Custer Scholarship

Gene Custer is a lifelong Wabash County resident and farmer and a generous supporter of charitable causes. Gene established the Custer Scholarship Fund to help deserving students pursue post-secondary education. The award is given based on work experience or engagement in extra-curricular school, religious, or community activities; and a character of talent, ambition, initiative, and kindness.

The Engagement Award: Convening Support fosters meaningful collaboration among patients, caregivers, clinicians, and other stakeholders in research. Initiated by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), this program aims to enhance patient engagement throughout the research process. By providing tools and resources, the award supports initiatives that improve healthcare delivery and outcomes, ensuring that patient perspectives are integral to research efforts.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Clark H. and Louise A. Criss Charitable Fund

The Clark H. and Louise A. Criss Charitable Fund was established to assist Stark County, OH high school graduates attending a two or four year university, college, or technical school. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Community Foundation of Wabash County

Since its creation in 1954, the Community Foundation has grown and continually adapted its priorities to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Through these changes, challenges, and opportunities to grow as both a leader and provider, the Community Foundation has remained true to its mission and commitment to Wabash County citizens.

Our Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.  

Walter G. Yopst Educational Scholarship Endowment

The Walter Yopst Scholarship has helped Wabash High School graduates since 1995. A Wabash native, Mr. Yopst worked for General Electric as an electrical engineer. Through this fund, Mr. Yopst wanted to “assist students with financial need in obtaining an education beyond the high school level, whether in academic, technical, or vocational fields”. Awards are given based on financial need, good character, and academic standing.

The FINRA Investor Education Foundation's General Grant Program funds educational and research projects aimed at enhancing financial literacy among underserved populations. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 support initiatives that promote financial inclusion and address systemic inequities. The foundation prioritizes projects that utilize existing data to improve understanding of financial capability and well-being. Applications are accepted anytime, with a focus on sustainability beyond the grant period.

KKR Charitable Donations supports impactful collaborations and programs addressing current needs while paving the way for future progress. Through their Corporate Citizenship program, KKR focuses on philanthropy, employee engagement, and sustainable community initiatives. The KKR Cares initiative enables employees to engage with communities worldwide via matching gifts, board service, and volunteer opportunities, aiming to enhance economic opportunity and security for underserved populations.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, in collaboration with the Longaberger Family Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing K-12 civics education across Appalachian Ohio. Since 2019, over $95,000 has been granted to empower students through engaging civics programs. The funding is available to K-12 public schools, educators, and nonprofit organizations, focusing on projects that foster civic engagement and community involvement among students in the region's 32 counties.

The Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Housing Assistance Council, invites rural communities to apply for design support. CIRD aims to enhance rural life and economic viability through planning and creative placemaking, empowering local citizens to address unique community challenges. Opportunities include Local Design Workshops and a Design Learning Cohort, providing resources, training, and support to foster community-driven solutions.

The Regenerative Agriculture Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote regenerative practices, emphasizing the value of people, plants, animals, and the planet. With a focus on BIPOC-led initiatives, the foundation encourages systemic change in agricultural systems through collaborative funding. Grants are available to U.S.-based organizations that align with RAF's vision and engage in transformative efforts. The competitive grantmaking process is by invitation only, ensuring targeted support for impactful projects.

The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience offers Scholar Awards to early-career neuroscientists focusing on learning and memory disorders. The awards provide up to $225,000 over three years, emphasizing research that could lead to significant clinical advancements. Eligible candidates must work as independent investigators at U.S. non-profit institutions, hold an Assistant Professor position for less than four years, and demonstrate their research program's potential. The program aims to foster innovative solutions in neuroscience.

The HAF: Project/Patient Assistance Grant, established by the Hemophilia Alliance Foundation, aims to empower eligible organizations to enhance their capacities and provide direct financial assistance to consumers. With funding ceilings of $8,000 for local organizations and $10,000 for national entities, it supports initiatives that improve service delivery and patient assistance, reflecting a commitment to the hemophilia and inheritable blood disorders communities.

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

Lions Club of Brown County Scholarship

Purpose: To provide one-year tuition assistance to five Brown County residents pursuing either a four-year college academic degree or a multi-year vocational degree at a trade school or community college.

Scholarship winners are chosen by the Brown County Lions Club using the application form. The selection committee considers service to the community/school, academic or vocational achievement, character, personal circumstances and financial need. Applicants may state their personal circumstances and financial needs in the section titled Statement of Special Circumstances.

The USTA: Adult Social Play Grant aims to enhance adult participation in tennis through social programming that promotes fun and inclusivity. It supports various drop-in events, leagues, and creative venues, encouraging both new and seasoned players to engage with the sport. By fostering a welcoming environment, this grant helps instill a love for tennis in future generations, increasing the number of social leagues and events across communities.

The USTA Facility Services Grant Program offers comprehensive support for developing and maintaining tennis facilities. Whether you're planning a new construction or need repairs, this program provides essential business and technical services, such as financial forecasting and facility assessments. Additionally, you can access advocacy resources and digital tools to enhance operations. By utilizing these complimentary services, projects can save costs while benefiting from expert guidance in creating high-quality tennis environments.

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

Norman Family Scholarship

Purpose

To provide support for educational scholarships for students who are accepted into and attend accredited two- or four-year public or private institutions of higher learning, including vocational training programs which prepare students for gainful employment.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the global response to rabies through innovative, cost-effective tools. The initiative focuses on reducing human rabies cases and advancing canine rabies elimination, particularly in high-burden regions. Research areas include tracking vaccination efforts, managing rabies exposure investigations, improving laboratory systems, and assessing the economic impact of interventions. Ultimately, it seeks to develop strategies that protect public health and ensure the sustainability of rabies-free status in the U.S.

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

Psi Iota Xi Award

Purpose

To provide education awards to graduating seniors of public or private schools in Brown County pursuing either a four year college degree or a multi-year vocational degree at a trade school or community college.

Awards winners are chosen by Psi Iota Xi using the application process.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Altrusa Club of Marion Scholarship II

Altrusa Club of Marion Scholarship Fund II was created in memory of Ferol Mae Burley. It supports female students from Marion County pursuing a degree in business management.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

American Legion Post 162 Scholarship

Created in 2022 by the membership of Marion’s American Legion Post 162, this fund will support college scholarships for Marion County students who have been local residents for at least two years. Recipients of Post 162’s scholarships will be persons on active duty with any service of the U.S. military, honorably discharged veterans of any U.S. military branch, current or honorably discharged members of the Reserve or National Guard, or relatives (spouse, child, stepchild, grandchild, sibling, first cousin, niece, or nephew) of a person who meets one of these criteria.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Marion Academy of Medicine Scholarship

The Marion Academy of Medicine Scholarship was created by physicians of the local medical community in 2008. While the Academy dissolved in 2014, it had existed for decades as an educational organization comprised of physicians in Marion County. Through this fund, its support of future medical students will continue in perpetuity.

Assets from this former organization were donated to create this scholarship at Marion Community Foundation and support the education of local students pursuing degrees and careers in osteopathic medicine. Recipients will be graduates of any high school in Marion County and maintain a college GPA of 3.0 or greater.

The SPARK-EHS initiative aims to broaden the reach of NIEHS training by launching innovative environmental health programs for predoctoral trainees at institutions without recent NIEHS T32 funding. This initiative focuses on research regarding the impact of the environment on biological systems and seeks to translate findings into practical health solutions. Eligible institutions will receive support for developing and implementing these targeted training programs, fostering advancements in environmental health research.